How can I choose a Best Processor for my Desktop Computer for Myself

Your
computer's processor performs most of the actual work of computing. The
processor determines how many things your computer can do at one time, and how
fast it will do those things. Since this component becomes one of your
computer's defining characteristics, it's important that you know the basics of
a making a solid processor comparison to have a successful shopping experience.

While nearly all computers come with
some kind of processor, you can later upgrade the component in most desktop
computers. This processor buying guide will help you understand the
specifications of your computer's potential new “brain” and help select the
right one.

Find
The Right Price

Your first step in comparing
processors is to choose your price range, which could be as little as $100 or
as much as $1,000.

We'll talk about a few of the
factors that determine speed, power, and features later in this processor
buying guide, but having a ballpark number will help you get started making
some processor comparisons.

Get
Enough Cores

The more cores your processor
boasts, the more computing functions it can handle simultaneously. That doesn't
exactly mean how many programs you have running-- the number of functions we're
referring to are the underlying computations and individual tasks the computer
does in the background.

Don't confuse the processing cores
with Intel's specifically-named Core brand of processors. All processors have
one or more cores.

While you could technically find a
processor with only a single core, you can buy a dual-core processor so
inexpensively now that you have almost no reason to get a single-core
processor. Since the number of cores is the largest factor in your processor's
performance, a dual-core processor should really be your starting point.

For processor comparisons, if all
you intend to do with your computer is some web browsing, email, and text
documentation, then a dual-core processor will provide ample power. If you play
video games or want to do serious video editing, you're better off spending the
money on at least a quad-core processor.

Be aware that having more cores
won't automatically speed up all of your programs. Some software vastly
benefits from the extra power, but other programs can only use one core at a
time. You'll still see benefits when you're multitasking, but the relationship
between software speed and processor cores is a little more complex than we can
fully explain in this processor buying guide.

Consider
Clock Speed

marketingIn the early days of computers,
processor speed was all that mattered. These days, clock speed shares its
importance with the number of cores. Measured in gigahertz (GHz), your
processor's clock speed determines how quickly the processor can move tasks
through its cores.

For the purposes of processor
comparison, you're first better off with more cores. Then, between two
processors with the same number of cores, the higher clock speed is superior.
In general, 2.5 GHz will provide ample speed. If you have a craving for even
more power, though, look around the 3.5 GHz or greater spectrum.

Decide
Between Integrated and Discrete Graphics

Both AMD and Intel provide
processors with built-in video technology. Processors with these integrated
graphics provide stronger video processing without the need for a discrete
video card.

When you compare processors, you'll
find not everyone benefits from integrated graphics. If you only use your
computer for email, web browsing, and even watching movies, integrated graphics
get the job done excellently. Video games and graphic editing, however, require
separate video cards that are more powerful and specially designed to process
intensive graphics.

Look
for a Large Cache

A processor's cache stores data in a
very convenient and fast location for your processor. Without a cache, your
processor's speed would be limited by the speed of your computer's Random
Access Memory (RAM). Cache is a complicated subject, but the general rule is
that more memory in the cache is usually better. Look for the largest you can
reasonably afford. You'll see cache types L1/L2/L3 referred to when researching
your processor, but you’ll generally need to be more concerned with the size of
the cache.

Most computer users will be
satisfied with 2MB or 3MB of cache, but if you like to play video games or keep
music running in the background, look for 4MB. If you do video editing or heavy
gaming, a 6MB or larger cache is even better.

Brand
Matters: AMD vs. Intel

The two most popular processor
manufacturers are AMD and Intel. Chances are that you've already owned a PC
with a processor by one of these two companies. While you could spend days
researching the differences between AMD and Intel processors, the real decision
comes down to price and what's already inside your existing system.

You can't replace an AMD processor
with an Intel processor or vice versa. Changing from one brand of processor to
the other requires additional components such as a motherboard, so you need to
know which type of processor your computer currently possesses, and be sure to
match it in your new purchase.

Cheat
sheet: Six Processor Factors to Consider

The six basic factors we've reviewed
in this processor buying guide are price, cores, clock speed, integrated
graphics, cache, and manufacturer. Once you've looked at the available
processors that fit these six criteria, review each specific processor for
additional features that might fit your needs. For example, some processors
excel at video games, while others are much more budget-friendly.

marketingReviewing each individual processor
under the framework of these six processor comparison subjects will help you
make sure you get the right new component for your computer.